Pierre and Long Sam, was of opinion that we should gain time by
waiting, as we might otherwise lose our way, or lame our animals over
the rocky tract we should have to pass. We arranged therefore to wait
for daylight, and it was settled that the Canadian should remain with
the old trapper to assist him in taking care of Charley, and looking
after our baggage mules and spare horses. The greater part of the night
was spent in cleaning our rifles and pistols, as we expected to have use
for them should we find that the emigrant train had moved on, and that
the Indians had kept up their intention of attacking it. We breakfasted
before dawn so that we might ride if necessary several hours without
food, and might be some distance on our way before the first streaks of
the coming day should appear in the sky.

Pierre and Long Sam, after a consultation, undertook to guide us, so
that we might fall in with the usual track followed by emigrants, a
short distance only to the northward of the place where we were
encamped. We felt somewhat anxious about leaving Charley in his present
state, with so slender a guard.

"Do not trouble yourselves about that," observed the old trapper. "I'll
keep a good look-out, and no Redskins are likely to come this way."

As we rode on and daylight increased, we looked out eagerly for any
smoke which might indicate a camp fire, but not the slightest wreath
dimmed the clear sky. Pierre and Long Sam both agreed that we were not
far from the high road, and that we must soon come upon the track of the
train if it had passed. Not a quarter-of-an-hour after this, we saw--
not a fire burning--but the remains of several, and all the signs of a
train having halted on the spot. We hastily rode over the ground, when
Armitage, suddenly leaping from his horse, picked up a small object
which he intently examined. It was a lady's glove, such as the usual
travellers by emigrant trains are not wont to wear. He placed it in his
pocket.

"On, friends, on!" he cried; "if Charley's information is correct we
have not a moment to lose. Already the work of plunder and murder may
have begun."

We needed no further incitement to make us urge on our steeds. Armitage
and Long Sam, who were the best mounted of our party, leading, the
latter being our guide. The country was wooded so that we could not see
far ahead. Suddenly our guide turned to the left.

"We will take a short cut for the waggons. The road mak